Comparison of sonar systems for mapping of seaweed and infrastructure on macroalgae farms

• DOI: 10.1121/1.5137609
• Publication Date: 2019-11-14T00:19:08Z
• Authors: Erin Fischell; Kevin Manganini; Sean Whelan; Amy Kukulya; Timothy K. Stanton; Andone C. Lavery
• Keywords: Precision Agriculture

To increase production of seaweed to the point where it is economically viable as a biofuel, many developments are required in areas such breeding and offshore farming systems. inform decision making by farmers, maps features that describe farm infrastructure, growth seaweed, fish populations needed. As part Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) MARINER (Macroalgae Inspiring Novel Energy Resources) program, acoustic systems being assessed for quantitative autonomous mapping. Multiple data collection sequences including various sonars vehicles were used better understand efficacy different this application. In trials New England sugar kelp farms using an surface vehicle, side-by-side sonar collected broadband split-beam system, low-cost 120 kHz narrow-band recreational finder. An underwater vehicle carrying sidescan system scientific was further collect on both giant California. Measurements compared mission objectives.